Golden Beet
Beta vulgaris
Family: Amaranthaceae
Golden beets offer all the nutritional benefits of beets with a milder, sweeter flavor and no staining. Their beautiful golden-orange color adds visual appeal to dishes. Perfect for those who find red beets too earthy.
Days to Harvest
50-60 days
Sun Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours)
moderate
Germination Temp
65°F optimal
Start Indoors
4 weeks before last frost
Germination
5-14 days
Seed Depth
1/2 inch
Light to Germinate
No
💡 Tip: Golden beets often have lower germination rates than red varieties. Sow extra seeds and thin later. Soak seeds overnight.
Soil Type
Loose, well-draining soil with good organic matter
pH Range
6 - 7.5
Spacing
3-4 inches between plants, 12-18 inches between rows
⚠️ Avoid planting near:
History
Golden beets have been grown since at least the 1820s. They became popular in farm markets and restaurants for their non-staining quality and sweeter taste. The variety Burpee's Golden was introduced in the 1940s and remains popular today.
Nutritional Benefits
- ✓High in folate
- ✓Good source of potassium
- ✓Contains manganese
Optimal Growing Temp
50°F - 70°F
Golden beets grow best in cool weather between 50-70°F, similar to red beets.
Survival Range
25°F - 85°F
Can survive these temperatures
Frost Note: Tolerates light frost to 28°F. Frost sweetens the roots.
Best USDA Zones
Humidity
50-70%
Moderate humidity is ideal.
Height
12-18 inches
Spread
4-6 inches
Growth Habit
rosette
Germination
5-10 days
Multiple seedlings emerge per seed cluster—thin to strongest.
Seedling Stage
Duration: 3-4 weeks
True leaves: First true leaves are golden-green tinged
Transplant ready: Can transplant when 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
Duration: 6-10 weeks
Golden color develops as roots mature. Greens are also edible.
Harvest Maturity
Timing: 55-65 days from seed
- Root shoulders 2-3 inches diameter
- Deep golden color
- Firm texture
Per Plant
1 root (3-8 oz) plus edible greens
Per Square Foot
9-16 beets per square foot
Harvest Frequency
Harvest as needed
Factors Affecting Yield
- •Cool temperatures
- •Consistent moisture
- •Proper thinning
Seedling Stage
Keep consistently moist
Established Plants
About 1 inch per week
During Fruiting
Maintain consistent moisture
Preferred Method
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
⚠️ Critical Watering Periods
- • Root development phase
Pro Tips
- Consistent moisture is key
- Mulch helps
Feeding Schedule
Soil preparation
Compost
Once
Organic Options
Work compost in before planting.
Minimum Size
8 inches deep
Recommended Size
10-12 inches deep
Depth Required
At least 8 inches
Best Varieties for Containers
Container Tips
- Well-draining mix
- Space 3-4 inches apart
- Keep consistently moist
Plant Every
Every 2-3 weeks
Sowings/Season
4-6 plantings
Duration
Spring through fall
Tips
- Skip hot midsummer
